Just tattoo DNR on my chest. . . it's been done!

[TiffyRN]

How long have we joked about this? Here is a local article about people using tattoos essentially as medic-alert bracelets.

"One of the most dramatic tattoos, Zavadsky says, was a Do Not Resuscitate on a patient's chest."

[madwife2002, BSN, RN]

People change their minds at the last min sometimes, a tattoo would be so permanent that would be my only concern,.

I have always said I do not want interventions if there is no hope for some incurable disease, but if it was an accident then I would at least want them to try.

[Hoozdo, ADN]

CapeCod: Get the MD signature tatted on your chest too, ROFL.

And make sure it is legible!

[RNsRWe, ASN, RN]

How many patients have we known over the years who have changed their minds on DNR? Health statuses do change, and so does this decision. Frequently enough, anyway, to make me NOT rely in a tattoo.

I remember a patient who wanted to be DNR, but no doctor--including his general practitioner and every specialist he asked-- would sign it. Turns out he wasn't nearly as sick as he said he was (and honestly believed, I think), he was clinically depressed and a hypochondriac and instead of signatures on a DNR he was given referrals to a mental health clinic and psychiatrists.

What if someone got such a tattoo, instead of the actual help needed?

[ChristinP]

Amusing tattoo but, no bracelet + no documentation = CPR. at least for me anyway

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

seen it. md who went into surgery (as a patient) and arrested. ripped off covers, saw "do not resuscitate" on her chest, with a signature. team looked at each other, and did as she asked, and she died. surgeon went out to speak to spouse, apologised but said they had no choice but to follow the pt's wishes. spouse said, "oh, thank god, she was so afraid they'd do it anyway."

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

and how will we know this is not the initials of a loved one? Tattoo does not substitute documentation. The law may REQUIRE the documentation regardless of tattoo.

[Bortaz, MSN, RN]

I once worked with male nurse who had that done---D.N.R. tattooed in inch-high, dark blue letters right over his heart.

Still think the bright pink piece of paper that lives on my Frigidaire and has my PCP's signature on it is a better bet though. :)

That'd be alright, I reckon, till he dies and his girlfriend, sues us.

[nor902]

I think this is an amazing and smart way to document his medical condition. A lot of patients do not think to get Medic Alert bracelets.

[joanie2341]

I just started in the ER and have heard of nurses talking about this but have yet to see it. And now that I see what is involved in resuscitating patients, it's not a bad idea!

[maelstrom143]

It is a decision that must be discussed w/loved ones. However, I feel that death is a very personal thing and should be about the person experiencing it first hand more than about everyone else who feels they should have a say simply because they are family/friends. We are born alone (most of us) and we die alone (spiritually speaking) and should be allowed to follow what feels right to us.

A DNR tattoo is great, but must be backed up by documentation in order to be valid, is my understanding. My hubby says if I am viable, he will fight to keep me. If I am terminal, he would honor my DNR wishes. I can see his point of view.

[Bortaz, MSN, RN]

That'd be alright, I reckon, till he dies and his girlfriend, sues us.

Brian, sir...the personal name you deleted was a fictional name I made up based on the letters DNR. LOL

[pebbles, BSN, RN]

In my ICU, I took care of a former ICU nurse once who had attempted suicide, written DNR on her arm with marker, and called 911 after a while. It was pretty awful on an emotional level. She was "one of us". I think she was full treatment because she was suicidal and therefore "not competent to make treatment decisions". It's one thing to joke about it, but to see it like that was hard....